Assistant General Counsel - ELU

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) seeks an Assistant General Counsel for the Employment Law Unit (ELU). The role supports staff and union representatives, investigates, drafts, and prosecutes disciplinary cases, and advises on conflicts of interest matters. Responsibilities include working with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, Office of Labor Relations, and the Civil Service Commission.

Duties

• Conduct legal research
• Draft disciplinary petitions and documents
• Attend meetings with staff and union representatives to mediate cases for early-stage resolution
• Assist ELU Deputy Director with counseling agency managers and strategizing outcome options
• Appear in litigation and advocate for resolutions in the best interest of the City
• Prepare evidence and documents for disciplinary cases
• Draft settlement agreements and Chapter 68 waiver requests to COIB
• Appear in administrative venues via videoconference and in person at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, Office of Labor Relations, and the Civil Service Commission
• Present training with slides on progressive discipline to supervisory staff
• Perform other duties requested by the Office of General Counsel

Preferred Skills

• JD from an accredited law school, membership in good standing of the New York State Bar, or registration to sit for the July 2026 Bar Exam
• Completion of courses in conflict resolution, mediation, ADR, or critical‑thinking
• Clear writing ability for extensive internal and external communications
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing health equity and supporting racial justice
• Excellent communication skills, including emotional intelligence and external stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited U.S. law school as defined in the Rules of the New York Court of Appeals (Sections 520.3 or 520.5) or admission to the New York State Bar

Benefits

• Loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that may reduce or fully forgive student loans
• Premium‑free health insurance, additional health, fitness, and financial benefits
• Public‑sector defined benefit pension plan
• Tax‑deferred savings program
• Robust worksite wellness program
• Work‑from‑home policy allowing up to two days per week
• Job security with opportunities to contribute to public health

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.